The devout Muslim had to train on his own earlier this month after stating he could not wear a shirt featuring the logo of the pay-day lenders, who sponsor the Magpies.

But after a settlement was reached Cisse returned to action in Paisley - sporting the shirt in question for the first time - and swept home the opener in a comfortable 2-0 win for Alan Pardew's side.

There was warm applause for United's Paul Dummett and Conor Newton from the home support after the duo helped the Buddies lift the Scottish Communities League Cup during loan stints last term, while the crowd of 4,216 featured 709 travelling Newcastle fans.

Cisse put the visitors ahead when he exchanged passes with Sammy Ameobi and curled a well-placed finish into the top corner after 18 minutes.

Saints number one David Cornell was forced to dive full length to save Dan Gosling's header from Ameobi's dinked cross soon after.

However, the keeper had no chance as full-back Matthew Debuchy slotted a composed finish on 26 minutes after Vurnon Anita sent him racing through on goal.

Pardew was delighted to see Cisse back in action and is confident that the shirt row has now been consigned to the past.

He told Sky Sports News: "He has worked hard and that was reflected tonight, he looked sharp and on another night he could have had three."

The Magpies are keen to strengthen their squad this summer and Pardew insists he is not concerned by the lack of new arrivals under director of football Joe Kinnear.

He added: "I'm not frustrated. I have to work with the players we've got, I have a good squad of players, and I have no problem starting the season with the group we've got.

"It would be nice to get a boost and hopefully something can happen before Rangers. That's a milestone for a team to work to, and if not, the next game will be."

Readers' Comments

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?